Bourn easing into running in hamstring rehab

DETROIT -- While the Indians opened their second-half schedule in Detroit on Friday, center fielder Michael Bourn stayed home in Cleveland to focus on his recovery from the latest setback involving his left hamstring.

Prior to Friday's game against Detroit, Indians manager Terry Francona noted that Bourn has initiated running activity on an anti-gravity treadmill, which reduces stress on the legs. Bourn is scheduled to resume light running drills under normal conditions soon.

"He's been running on the alter-G," Francona said. "That's the treadmill where you take some of the weight off. In the next few days, he'll transition into land-based stuff. He'll join us in Minnesota [on Monday]."

Bourn, 31, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on July 6, meaning he is technically eligible to be activated on Sunday. Cleveland has already made it known, however, that Bourn's comeback from the left hamstring injury could last until late July and possibly into August.

It is the same hamstring that Bourn had surgically repaired in October, but both the team and center fielder have noted that the current issue involves a different area. Bourn also dealt with a left hamstring injury during Spring Training, and he missed time in May with tightness in the same leg.

Through 66 games this season, Bourn had hit .267/.316/.379 with three home runs, nine doubles, seven triples, seven stolen bases, 21 RBIs and 37 runs scored for Cleveland. In the 13 games prior to landing on the 15-day DL, the center fielder hit .283 (.828 OPS) with six extra-base hits and six runs scored.